Wisconsin entrepreneurs can access up to $4,500 for professional SBIR/STTR proposal development through the CTC’s Assistance Micro-Grant Program.

Strong evaluation frameworks turn data into funding power, helping innovation and economic development programs prove impact and attract… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-strong-evaluation-drives-funding-and-growth-in-economic-development-and-innovation/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

As of January 5, 2026, SBIR and STTR remain without reauthorization. Here’s the current status and practical next steps. https://www.ebhoward.com/as-of-january-2026-where-things-stand-with-sbir-sttr-reauthorization/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

First-time DOE SBIR/STTR applicants can receive expert proposal support through the DOE Phase 0 Program—quarterly enrollment and rolling support.

NIH clarifies the difference between Highlighted Topics and Funding Opportunities. Misunderstanding the distinction can undermine… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-difference-between-nih-highlighted-topics-and-funding-opportunities/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Missouri startups can access $2,500 in grant writing support for SBIR proposals through the state’s SBDC Phase 0 FAST Grant.

NASA’s SBIR/STTR program switches to a Broad Agency Announcement in 2026 with phased appendices offering flexible proposal timing and reset limits. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nasa-sbir-sttr-program-is-changing-for-2026/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

A compelling narrative can make your SBIR/STTR proposal stand out in a highly competitive funding environment.

Illinois life sciences startups can access $15,000 in SBIR proposal support through the iBIO Propel Awards Program—exclusively for Propel members.

NSF’s Critical Minerals Challenge raises the bar for innovation readiness, making early evaluation essential for credibility, accountability, and… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nsf-stride-ventures-is-redefining-what-ready-means-for-innovation/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH is implementing a unified funding strategy to make award decisions more consistent and transparent. Here is what applicants need to know. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nih-unified-funding-strategy-and-why-it-matters-for-applicants/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s expanded technical support makes evaluation a front-end strategy decision, not a back-end requirement, for… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nsfs-expanded-technical-support-signals-a-shift-in-evaluation-and-why-teams-need-evaluators-at-the-table-now/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF rule changes raise the bar on proposal readiness. One weak submission can now close doors. Here is how to respond. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-navigate-new-nsf-review-rules-without-losing-your-shot-at-funding/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH introduced emergency peer-review modifications that affect evaluation, timelines, and committee operations. Here is what applicants… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nih-emergency-peer-review-modifications-and-why-they-matter-right-now/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s NAIRR Foundations opportunity funds the operational core of a national AI research resource. Here is what applicants need to know. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nairr-and-why-this-new-nsf-opportunity-matters/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH will require SciENcv-generated and certified Common Forms for biosketch and current and pending support starting January 25, 2026; plan now.

NIH will reduce discussed applications to ~30-35%, create a “competitive but not discussed” band, and simplify feedback; applicants must adapt strategy. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nih-peer-review-feedback-is-evolving/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

When you strengthen your proof, clean up your packaging, clarify your market position, and follow a clear funding pathway, you stop looking risky and start… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-use-the-four-ps-to-accelerate-funding-and-capital-readiness/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition strengthens accelerators and ESOs that guide deep-tech founders toward SBIR and STTR success… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-growth-accelerator-fund-competition-and-why-it-matters-for-innovators/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s Translation-to-Practice opportunity supports the movement of research discoveries into real-world applications. Here is what applicants need to… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nsfs-translation-to-practice-opportunity-and-why-it-matters/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Six new Critical Technology Areas mark the U.S. War Department’s 2025 roadmap — here’s what they are and why your organization should care. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-we-can-think-ahead-of-the-new-war-department-ctas/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH launches a new Replication Prize that rewards rigorous replication studies and strengthens scientific credibility across biomedical… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-nih-replication-prize-and-why-it-matters-for-research-integrity/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

South Dakota small businesses can apply for $5,000 in support to develop and submit stronger Phase I SBIR/STTR proposals.

South Carolina startups can access USC’s FAST program for proposal guidance, mentoring, and commercialization support—rolling admissions and tailored resources.

Year two of Illinois Innovation Vouchers shows real momentum, and EBHC is proud to measure impact that fuels growth statewide. https://www.ebhoward.com/wrapping-up-year-two-with-the-illinois-innovation-vouchers-program/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

District-based startups can receive up to $10,000 in guided support to prepare competitive SBIR/STTR proposals through DSLBD’s Phase 0 Program.

Key SBA program changes affect eligibility, compliance, and contracting pathways, requiring small businesses to stay vigilant and maintain up-to-date… https://www.ebhoward.com/changes-to-small-business-programs-create-challenges-and-opportunities/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH abruptly paused SBIR and STTR activity, creating uncertainty for applicants who now require strategy, preparation, and airtight… https://www.ebhoward.com/nih-hits-pause-on-sbir-and-sttr-what-the-latest-guidance-means-for-your-funding-strategy/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Archer Career, a leading provider of microlearning career education, has been awarded a competitive Illinois Innovation Voucher to… https://www.ebhoward.com/archer-career-wins-illinois-innovation-voucher-for-ai-powered-college-retention-initiative/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

A new end-to-end SBIR/STTR ecosystem is raising the stakes for how smooth, compliant, and detail-perfect your grant submission must be—here’s how grant… https://www.ebhoward.com/submission-perfect-how-to-survive-the-new-intelligent-sbir-sttr-ecosystem/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF ART proposals need evaluation built in early. EBHC ensures proposals align with outcomes reviewers expect and strengthens institutional credibility. https://www.ebhoward.com/when-should-you-bring-in-an-evaluator-for-nsfs-art-program/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Michigan startups can access $14,000 in proposal prep support through Ann Arbor SPARK—applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Federal systems are reopening and grant seekers must prepare quickly to stay competitive as reviews, awards, and communications begin… https://www.ebhoward.com/preparing-for-the-end-of-the-government-shutdown-what-grant-seekers-applicants-need-to-do-now/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The Kauffman Foundation requires measurable impact. We help grantees design evaluation frameworks that prove inclusion,… https://www.ebhoward.com/evaluation-that-proves-impact-in-kauffman-foundation-ecosystem-inclusive-entrepreneurship-grants/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Many federally funded projects forget evaluation until year two. We can assist institutions rebuild data, report outcomes, and restore accountability midstream. https://www.ebhoward.com/when-the-accelerating-starts-without-the-evaluation-plan/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

West Virginia startups that submit SBIR/STTR proposals can access a $2,500 grant year-round to offset development costs.

DOL’s SCC and ABA grants mandate independent evaluation. We design compliant, data-driven evaluation frameworks that prove workforce… https://www.ebhoward.com/department-of-labor-strengthening-community-colleges-scc-apprenticeship-building-america-aba/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s POSE program prioritizes measurable ecosystem health and sustainability. EBHC builds evaluation systems that quantify growth,… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-evaluation-drives-success-in-nsf-pathways-to-enable-open-source-ecosystems-pose-program/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

First-time SBIR/STTR applicants in Utah can access up to $5K in proposal prep microgrants through UTIF—rolling application and local support.

For startups pursuing non-dilutive funding, the SBIR/STTR programs offer a critical pathway to advance research and development while preserving ownership. https://www.ebhoward.com/the-sbir-sttr-roadmap-what-every-startup-needs-to-know-before-applying/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Tarrant County startups can access proposal development support through HSC Next’s SBIR Phase 0 program—rolling applications, expert guidance, and strategy.

Born as a free COVID-19 funding database, Startup Fund Hub is now a powerful platform for accessible, transparent funding. https://www.ebhoward.com/startup-fund-hub-from-free-covid-19-resource-to-funding-search-powerhouse/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The NSF ART program expects proof, not just plans. EBHC’s evaluations show real results, build trust, and support long-term success. https://www.ebhoward.com/nsfs-art-program-why-ebhc-is-the-evaluator-you-need/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NDSU faculty and partners can apply for $7,500 in proposal development funds through the university’s SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Program.

While federal programs like SBIR and STTR often get the spotlight, state-level non-dilutive funding opportunities can be equally valuable for startups… https://www.ebhoward.com/state-level-non-dilutive-funding-resources-every-startup-should-know-about/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Biomedical SBIR/STTR applicants in seven states can access $3,500 in expert consulting through the University of Vermont’s I-Trep Program.

Startup Fund Hub’s latest updates simplify jargon, expand categories, and open funding access to startups, nonprofits, and small businesses. https://www.ebhoward.com/whats-new-on-startup-fund-hub-fresh-content-to-power-your-funding-journey/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Even with SBIR paused, small businesses still have abundant non-dilutive funding options through federal grants, state programs, accelerators, and… https://www.ebhoward.com/finding-funding-beyond-sbir-how-small-businesses-can-thrive-in-uncertain-times/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Some grant consultants push startups into long-term, a high-cost retainer—whether or not it makes sense for the work. We take a different approach.

A government shutdown can delay or disrupt federal grantmaking. The one thing you can control is how you prepare. Strong evaluation… https://www.ebhoward.com/government-shutdowns-and-federal-grants-why-strong-evaluation-keeps-your-project-moving-forward/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social